Mixed Ages

Our program is for children Birth-5 years of age and their adults. It is designed to carry a family through their child/ren’s first 5 years of musical development. It is a non-performance oriented, mixed age family and community music making class. All children are born with the capacity to be musical beings, if provided with a rich musical environment from the start. Research shows that music is learned in a way similar to the way we learn language. By hearing it being sung and played on a consistent basis and seeing their loving adults participating regularly in music making, children begin to become competent in the core foundation of music, being able to sing in tune and keep an accurate beat. It is not necessary for adults to have any prior musical experience, just a love for having fun and sharing the joy of making music with your child each week.

People often ask us about the benefits of themixed-age format. It is not only educationally sound but creates a family-like atmosphere where siblings can attend class together. Older children learn from being in a leadership role, while younger children benefit from the example of the older children. Children of the same age are not necessarily in the same stage of music development. A mixed-age format enables them to participate freely and experience the music at their own level of complexity, without being burdened by age-specific expectations.

Are infants old enough to participate and get the benefits in a mixed-age class? Yes! Chances are, you’ve seen a glimpse of the music-maker inside your new little one, as s/he coos and wiggles when you sing a nursery rhyme or starts moving when you put on your favorite song. At birth, infants are already alert to musical sounds and naturally responsive to volume, movement, tempo, and melody. Read more about babies and music on the Music Together® Worldwide blog.